Sally Jane Cappon died peacefully in Santa Barbara on Nov. 23, 2025, at age 94. She was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Sally attended Carroll College before transferring to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
She remained loyal to her Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, and Milwaukee Brewers her entire life.
Sally’s first job was as a reporter for the Waukesha Freeman. It was during this time she met Jim Cappon, her husband of 65 years.
Their young family embarked on a four-year whirlwind tour of several Strategic Air Command bases in the western United States before moving to Satellite Beach, Florida, where Jim worked on the Apollo Space Program. It was there that Sally renewed her journalism career as a freelance writer covering a range of features and local sports in Florida.
She also entered cooking contests, including four appearances as a finalist for the Pillsbury Bake-Off.
Following the closeout of the Apollo program, the family relocated to Santa Barbara, where they remained for the next 52 years.
Sally attended First United Methodist Church, and was deeply involved in school-based activities, supporting the PTA and sports programs. The latter evolved into Sally covering high school athletics, mainly football, throughout Santa Barbara County. This grew into a steady stream of freelance work with both local and national newspapers.
She worked frequently with the Santa Barbara News-Press, including her regular features Neighborhoods, Dart, and Cook of the Week. She also wrote for the Santa Maria Times, and subsequently published her book “100 Years-Santa Maria Style.”
Research, interviews and exploration for these journalistic pursuits were a constant joy for Sally. She never fully retired from writing, which continued until her passing.
Sally enjoyed spending time with friends and family, particularly her grandchildren, near and far. She enjoyed exploring the United States, which took her to dozens of National Parks and monuments.
However, her home, alongside Maria Ygnacio Creek, always held special meaning, with family and friends attending barbecues on the patio. Sally treasured her lifelong and professional friends and kept in frequent contact with them.
Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Clara Sibbald; her husband, Jim; brothers-in-law Norb and Bill; and sister-in-law, Karen.
Sally is survived by her sons, Jim (Janet), Jon (Kathy) and Chris (Alesia); grandchildren Alex, Austin (Lauren), Kevin (Annie), Tyler, Jonathan and Michael; great-grandchildren Violet, Quinn and River; sister-in-law Marion; and numerous nephews, nieces and their children.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 22, at First United Methodist Church of Santa Barbara, 305 E. Anapamu St., followed by a private burial at Goleta Cemetery.